[14] The first Eddie was held at Sunset Beach in 1985;[15] in 1987 Eddie Aikau's younger brother Clyde Aikau won the Eddie after it moved to Waimea Bay[15][16]), The most recent tournament was in January 2023, when waves in the bay reached 30 to 50 feet (15m) high. Surfers attend the event by invitation from the Aikau family, and theres no greater honor in surfing.This year, a total of 40 surfers have been so honored. The Eddie ended poetically with North ShoresLuke Shepardson taking home the trophy. For those who dont know, The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational is a monumental event in surfing that, until this winter, hadnt run since 2015. He was a descendant of Hewahewa, the kahuna nui (high priest) of King Kamehameha I and his successor Kamehameha II. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10-k1MN9YrISpecial thanks to our Surfline Premium members and supporting broadcast sponsors:@futuresfins @billabong @Konabrewingco Hawaii The Twin Fin Waikiki Hotel@patagonia Surf@RoarkRevival + Roark Women-- Timeline Markers-- Event starts: 03:33-----------------------------------\rSubscribe to Our YouTube: \rhttp://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=surfline\r\rBecome a Surfline Premium Member: \rhttps://surfl.in/2Cd36tF\r---------------------------------- Eddie Aikau [2022] Accomplishments, Life Story & Highlights A North Shore Lifeguard Defied the Odds and Took Home the Trophy, The Eddie ended poetically with North Shores, If you missed this years Eddie, theres still plenty of winter surfing action to catch on the North Shore. [17] The contest invites only 28 big-wave riders to participate in two rounds of competition. Shepardson, 27, scored 89.1 points out of a possible 90 to claim the title and $10,000 prize money. ( convertCurrency(lot.estimate_high, lot.auction.currency_code, currency.currency_code, viewVars.lotCurrencies.result_page) | price : null : null ) : From its gentle beginning at Sunset Beach in 1985, the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational has formed itself into surfings greatest event, and in its Collect, curate and comment on your files. I've got a waiver signed with For the contest, the Bay calls the day, meaning the event only runs during exceptional conditions. The focus was on the three words on the back of every competitors jersey: Eddie Would Go.. His generation lived through the turbulent period of Hawaiian history that occurred fewer than 20 years after Hawaii became an American state: the second Hawaiian Renaissance. | translate }}, {{ "How high should the current bid be raised?" The character of Z in the animated movie Surf's Up is loosely based on Eddie's life and mysterious death. Local lifeguards were even kept busy by the crowds, unheeding their advice and facing sweeping waves up the beach washing away possessions and limbs. Meet the on-duty lifeguard who won Hawaii's iconic big wave event The contest featured the best big wave riders from around the planet. This past Sunday, a historic swell hit the Hawaiian Islands, and the event was called on. '-':'' }}{{ lot.estimate_high ? Surf Tomorrow! Another variation used recently during the 2008 election campaign for Honolulu rail transit was the slogan, "Eddie would ride.". The find out what happened, continue reading below. WebFor the first time in its 39 year history, women paddled out at Waimea Bay for the Eddie Aikau invitational [surfing] ( theinertia.com) submitted 1 month ago by hedgebop to r/WomenShredders share save hide report 8 Women big wave surfers make history at Eddie Aikau invitational -Waimea bay ( surfer.com) Packed crowds made the pilgrimage through the dead of the night to stake a coveted place and watch the show unfold, with wild scenes captured by infamous wave-worshiper and photographer, Clark Little, illustrating just what a hot ticket a front-row seat to the action was. WebHALEIWA, HI - JANUARY 22: General views of the competitors trophy during the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational on January 22, 2023 in Waimea Bay, Haleiwa, Hawaii. Tim Cooley uses his knowledge and experience as a practicing musician and avid surfer to consider the musical practices of surfers in locations around the world, taking into account ideas about surfing If you missed this years Eddie, theres still plenty of winter surfing action to catch on the North Shore. The boat capsized in the open sea, and Eddie decided to paddle toward shore to fetch help for his crew members and was never seen again. I know weve all had the Eddie Aikau posters in our rooms growing up, so to have the opportunity to actually go out there for Eddie and his ohana [family], the Aikaus, was a dream come true for me., I feel like Im ready: blind surfer chases worlds biggest wave at Nazar | Kieran Pender, Three times the size of our house: watching surfers ride Portugals monster waves, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning, Local lifeguard beats worlds best big wave surfers to take title video. Kailua-Kona, Hawaii musician Lopaka Rootz released a reggae single honoring Eddie Aikau called "Eddie." Eddie Aikau was a championship surfer and athlete, but his legacy marked with a Google Doodle on Saturday in several countries, including the United States is for his bravery as a lifeguard. Eddie Aikau (1946 1978) Eddie was a legend during a time when Hawaiian legends were being resurrected. Forty invitees a mix of the worlds top professional surfers and local legends took on wave faces that exceeded 50 feet as an estimated 60,000 spectators watched from the beach and surrounding cliffs. Each year, the Aikau family invites the best watermen and women to an opening ceremony where they honor the life of Eddie Aikau. This was the first time in seven years it's been held. ("Timed Auction" | translate) : ("Live Auction" | translate) }}, {{ viewVars.brand == 'hdh' ? Since its inception in 1985 the tournament has only been held 10 times, due to a precondition that open-ocean swells reach a minimum of 20 feet (this translates to a wave face height of over 30 feet). A Warner Bros. Ross Clark-Jones (yellow), Luke Shepardson (white), Michael Ho (orange), Ramon Navarro (red), Tyler Larronde (black)**********************************************Watch: 20ft+ Red Bull Recap: The Almost Eddie Swell. Three massive days in the Pacific. Luke Shepardson took approved breaks from his lifeguarding duty at Waimea Bay to compete in the event affectionately known as the Eddie and finished with a near-perfect score of 89.1 points, ahead of defending champion John John Florence in second. Rootz music is played on Hawaiian radio station KWXX FM. The Eddie is an event steeped in history and heritage, a celebration of the life of the first ever lifeguard hired by the city of Honolulu to work on the North Shore, Edward Ryon Makuahanai Aikau. WebEddie Aikau: An Honored Hawaiian Surfer. It's only staged if waves exceed 40 feet. Jamm Aquino/Honolulu Star-Advertiser, via Associated Press. Sale Price: $24.00 Original Price: $34.00. Eddie Eddie met an early demise while crewing a boat as part of the. (days+'d '):''}}{{(days != 0 || hours != 0)? I know weve all had the Eddie Aikau posters in our rooms growing up, so to have the opportunity to actually go out there for Eddie and his ohana, the Aikaus, was a dream come true for me, he said, using a Hawaiian word for family. {{ WMService.hasProduct('realEstateHybrid') === false ? You can't just enter, you need to be invited. Free Delivery on all Orders Over 80. You can't just enter, you need to be invited. 2023 Getty Images. History was made yesterday at the Oscars of big wave surfing on Oahus North Shore, The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational. Luke Shepardson is more accustomed to saving lives than winning international surf competitions, but on Monday the on-duty lifeguard saw off some of the biggest names in the sport to claim victory at the prestigious Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational in Hawaii. Luke Shepardson scored 89.1 points out of a possible 90 to claim the title and $10,000 prize money. WebThe Eddie Aikau is a Hawaiian surfing competition steeped in folklore. Beyond the record-breaking swell, this years Eddie Invitational was historic for its inclusion of women in the contest. Nobody has ever won it twice.Former winners:Denton Miyamura (1987), Clyde Aikau (1986), Keone Downing (1990), Noah Johnson (1999), Ross Clarke-Jones (2001), Kelly Slater (2002), Bruce Irons (2004), Greg Long (2009), John Florence (2016)**********************************************ROUND ONE______________Heat 1:Andrea Moller, Aaron Gold, Greg Long, John John Florence, Koa Rothman, Mark Healey, Nathan Fletcher, Shane DorianR1 Heat 2:Emily Erickson, Ian Walsh, Josh Moniz, Kohl Christiansen, Makua Rothman, Ross Clark-Jones, Kahea Hart, Mikey ReddR1 Heat 3:Justine Dupont, Keala Kennelly, Eli Olson, Jake Maki, Kai Lenny, Landon McNamara, Nic Von Rupp, Taio Shipman R1 Heat 4:Makani Adric, Ezekiel Lau, Chris Owen, Keali'i Mamala, Lucas Chianca, Mason Ho, Peter Mel, Tikanui SmithHeat 5:Paige Alms, Grant Twiggy Baker, Jamie Mitchell, Billy Kemper, Luke Shepardson, Michael Ho, Ramon Navarro, Tyler Larronde **********************************************ROUND TWO______________Heat 1Andrea Moller (pink), Aaron Gold (blue), Greg Long (purple), John John Florence (yellow), Eli Olson (white), Jake Maki (orange), Kai Lenny (red), Landon McNamara (black)Heat 2Emily Erickson (pink), Koa Rothman (blue), Mark Healey (purple), Nathan Fletcher (yellow), Nic von Rupp (white), Taio Shipman (orange), Ezekiel Lau (red), Chris Owen(black)Heat 3Justine Dupont (pink), Keala Kennelly (blue), Shane Dorian (purple), Kahea Hart (yellow), Keali'i Mamala (white), Lucas Chianca (orange), Mason Ho (red), Peter Mel (black)Heat 4Makani Adric (pink), Ian Walsh (blue), Josh Moniz (purple)Kohl Christensen (yellow), Tikanui Smith (white), Grant Twiggy Baker (orange), Jamie Mitchell (red), Billy Kemper (black)Heat 5Paige Alms (pink), Makuakai Rothman (blue), Mikey Red (purple). '$': ''}}{{ lot.estimate_low ? Eddie Aikau Memorial: Surfing stars chase big waves | CNN Aikau died when sailing a traditional Polynesian canoe with a crew in 1978, selflessly paddling out into the storm to seek help and save his mates and tragicallynever seen again. Surfs UP! Throughout the event, Hawaiis surfers seemed to shine the brightest, including our very own Jamie OBrien. We are pleased to announce the Names of the Invited Surfers & Alternates. Because conditions must be perfect, the Eddie has only been held 9 times since 1985. Half a world away, Argentinas beloved mens national team hoisted its third World Cup trophy. The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, known as the Eddie, is held only when wave faces are consistently larger than 40 feet at Waimea Bay, a rarity. This included a whos-who of surfing icons, with talent such as Steph Gilmore, playing witness to the historic and emotional moment whereby women would paddle out for the first time ever with the men. (SEE PHOTOS). The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational Took Place Both Billy Kemper and Makua Rothman battled through the pain of serious knee injuries they suffered the previous week, during Da Hui Backdoor Shootout. Luke Shepardson Wins the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational - The Download the Guardian app from the iOS App Store on iPhone or the Google Play store on Android by searching for 'The Guardian'. How Maya Gabeira overcame a life-threatening accident to surf two record-breaking waves. Eddie's story was humorously (and respectfully) told by comedian Kurt Braunohler in a second-season episode of Drunk History that was dedicated to Hawaiian history, which aired on August 12, 2014. Florence finished with 84.2 points ahead of Mark Healey in third and Billy Kemper in fourth. Aikau, a lifeguard and surfing champion, was born on the island of Maui on 4 May 1946, before moving with his family to Oahu in 1959. The contest began early in the morning with 40-foot faces and a rising swell. It's only staged if waves exceed 40 feet. Beyond his work saving lives, Eddie Aikau was a highly accomplished surfer and big wave pioneer, riding his iconic red board at maxing Waimea Bay and winning the WebThe Eddie Aikau is a Hawaiian surfing competition steeped in folklore. Ive got to get back to the tower to make sure everyones OK until the end of the day.. {{ "Optimized for your Mobile Device" | translate }}, {{ "Download our free app for an optimal bidding experience:" | translate }}, {{days!=0? For those unfamiliar, The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational is a monumental event in surfing that, until last Sunday, hasnt run since 2015. The celebrated contest is held in memory of the famed North Shore lifeguard and waterman Eddie Aikau. He removed his life jacket since it was hindering his paddling of the surfboard. As each day passed, and as more data came in from buoys hundreds of kilometres north of Waimea Bay on the island of Oahu, the 40 surfers invited for The Eddie scrambled to get their equipment, support team and mindset ready. Discovery Company. Luke Shepardson: Local lifeguard wins iconic big-wave surf event ("Timed Auction" | translate) : ("Live Auction" | translate) }}, {{ viewVars.brand == 'hdh' ? '' The women charged into some of the biggest waves of the day, with Kauais Keala Kennelly laying down some smooth rides before dropping into an eye-watering bomb that she didnt squeak out of. Part-time consultant & permanent employment - notification of work,I have permanent employment where I don't work at 100% capacity and I do my own consulting on the side for the rest of the time. Produced by filmmaker Agi Orsi, the documentary premiered on ESPN on October 1, 2013. In Aikau's honor, the surfwear company Quiksilver sponsored The Eddie until 2016. By using our services, you agree to our use of cookies.' This past Sunday, a historic swell hit the Hawaiian Islands, and the event was called on. When he was announced as the winner, Shepardson was hoisted onto the shoulders of his fellow competitors, doused in beer, and mobbed by spectators eager to get a photo. Just paddling out for one of these heats is prized by every surfer whos ever taken part. Events - Eddie Aikau He was also a crew member on the Polynesian voyaging canoe Hklea. We'd like to ask each of these surfers to contact the Eddie Aikau Foundation as follows: EMAIL: info@eddieaikaufoundation.org OR, Opening Ceremony Friday December 9, 2022 12:00 Noon at Waimea Bay lot.currency_code : lot.currency_sign }}, {{ lot.web_module.absentee_bid.rounded_amount_message_content }}, {{ LotService.currentBid(lot).amount|price:lot.currency_code }}, {{ LotService.groupLabel(lot) | translate }}, {{ lot.auction.auction_type == "timed" ? WebEdward Ryon Makuahanai Aikau (Kahului, Hawaii, May 4, 1946 March 17, 1978) was a Hawaiian lifeguard and surfer. lot.currency_code : lot.currency_sign }}, {{ lot.web_module.absentee_bid.rounded_amount_message_content }}, {{ LotService.currentBid(lot).amount|price:lot.currency_code }}, {{ LotService.groupLabel(lot) | translate }}, {{ lot.auction.auction_type == "timed" ? The competition, known simply as The Eddie, is held only when waves at Waimea Bay consistently reach 30ft or bigger. It developed a leak in one of its hulls and later capsized about twelve miles (19km) south of the island of Molokai. Eddie Aikau The phrase stuck and then Eddie went. The celebrated contest is held in memory of the famed North Shore lifeguard and waterman Eddie Aikau. EDDIE AIKAU In this case, it fits. Aikau paddled away on his surfboard to raise the alarm and the rest of the crew were later rescued. sold out. ( convertCurrency(lot.estimate_low, lot.auction.currency_code, currency.currency_code, viewVars.lotCurrencies.result_page) | price : null : null ) : Clyde now supervises the event, which for the first time this year saw a woman, Brazils Andrea Moller, catch a wave, six years after female surfers were first named as alternate competitors. By 1971, Eddie Aikau had earned awards for his accomplishments as a lifeguard. More than a surf contest, the Eddie is a cultural event to honor and celebrate Eddie Aikau, a surfer from Hawaii and the first lifeguard on the North Shore of Oahu. It's only staged if waves exceed 40 feet. Eddie Aikau - Wikipedia The phrase originated during the first Eddie contest. This year also saw women six in total take part in the competition for the first time, and it was Andrea Moller who made history as the first woman to catch a wave at the Eddie. Official Eddie Aikau Gear North Shore Surf Shop (lot.estimate_low | price:(lot.currency_code)):''}}, {{ lot.timed_auction_bid.amount | price:lot.currency_code }}, {{ LotService.currentAbsenteeBid(lot).max_bid | price:lot.currency_code }}), {{ lot.timed_auction_bid.amount | price:lot.currency_code }} |, {{ WMService.hasProduct('realEstateHybrid') === false ? KHON will air the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational on KHII, channel 5, starting at 8 a.m. All surfers are eligible, who are age 18 and older. [6] Aikau first learned how to surf on the shorebreak of Kahului Harbor. Like the events namesake, he has a deep love and respect for the ocean. As heats ended, surfers returned to shore to booming cheers. Eddie There is nothing like the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational. Eddie went on to save some whopping 500 people during his career. Some surfers immediately went airborne, trying to stand but instead plummeting from the height of a fourth-floor balcony. free-falling several stories on one wave. It is also partially in response to the controversy over the "unnaturalness" of tow-in surfing; many surfers feel that being towed in to a wave, as opposed to paddling, is against the spirit of the sport. Sports | @tjujos | Flipboard The North Shore hero is credited with saving over 500 lives. He was It's only staged if waves exceed 40 feet. With 40 total competitors and 18 alternates, the single-day contest lasted the majority of Sunday. Edward Ryon Makuahanai Aikau rose to prominence as the first lifeguard hired by Honolulu to work on Oahus North Shore and was revered for saving over 500 people during his career. Others walked miles to get a glimpse of the action. Because the contest is such a rare occurrence, many surfers chose to paddle out with injuries. Book your stay at Turtle Bay Resort to stay in the heart of Oahus North Shore. The event was cancelled for 2017 but the AiKau has brought it back with largely local sponsors for 2018-19[13] the Quiksilver Big Wave Invitational in Memory of Eddie Aikau at Waimea Bay. In his capacity as a lifeguard, he saved over 500 people and became renowned for surfing gigantic Hawaiian waves and winning several events including the 1977 Duke Kahanamoku Invitational Surfing Championship. There is nothing like the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, inside surfing or out. I told myself, Im in it because I can win it, Shepardson said. The Eddie Aikau Big-Wave Invitational is one of the most prestigious surfing events of all time. Eddie Aikau Eddie 2023 Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational final standings and [10], On February 28, 1978, TV producer John Orland was the last person Aikau rescued at Waimea Bay. Every possible pro surfing record, including most wins and most prize money, were now his. The boat capsized in the open sea, and Eddie decided to paddle toward shore to fetch help for his crew members and was never seen again. The documentary produced for television details Aikau's life from childhood to his death and won an Emmy for Best Sports Documentary Series, making it one of the few surf-related films to ever receive such recognition.[21][22]. While the contest organizers were discussing whether to put it on, Mark Foo looked at the conditions and said "Eddie would go." submitted by hedgebop Aikau, a native Hawaiian big-wave surfer, was lost at sea in 1978, having volunteered to go for help when a canoe trip seeking to recreate an ancient Polynesian The North Shores own John John Florence started heat 1 with a bang, catching two quick rides. He was part of a canoe voyage retracing the ancient Polynesian migration route between Hawaii and Tahiti in 1978. '' The waves were huge, and it was a dream come true just to be part of The Eddie, just to be on the alternate list. Womens Big Wave Champion Keala Kennelly wowed the crowd with her fearlessness as she took off on some of the biggest sets of the day. Aikau joined the voyage as a crew member. It was a poetic ending, a North Shore surfer and lifeguard winning an event honoring a Hawaiian surfer and lifeguard. Organize, control, distribute and measure all of your digital content. As a surfer, he rode the biggest waves in the world; as a lifeguard, he saved hundreds of lives from the North Shore's treacherous waters; and as a proud Hawaiian, he sacrificed his life to save his fellow sailors aboard the voyaging canoe Hokule'a. The ensuing search for Aikau was the largest air-sea search in Hawaiian history.[12]. Shop Now, 8 OF THE BEST FEMALE SURF RETREATS FOR 2023, Where To Surf In Italy The Wavelength Guide. Original Eddie Aikau Big Wave Surfing Contest Trophy - Worthpoint The Aikau Family and the Eddie Aikau Foundation are planning to conduct THE EDDIE 2022-2023 Big Wave Invitational Surf Contest, Details will be available after December 7, 2022. Did you encounter any technical issues? Once safely on land, many quietly stood at the edge of the water, reflecting on the stadium, one that rarely produces these conditions. 'Tasting Notes': ('Medium' | translate) }}, {{WMService.extensionFromFilename(document.s3_url).slice(0,3)}}, {{ 'AUCTIONCURRENCY' | translate:{ CURRENCYCODE: viewVars.lot.currency_code }:'messageformat' }}, {{ 'Cookies help us deliver our services. WebEDDIE AIKAU COMPETITORS TROPHY | California Gold Surf Auction. 1990's good condition with normal wear as pictured. 's' : ''}}), x {{ lot.quantity }} = {{ LotService.calculateTotalBidCost(lot, LotService.currentAbsenteeBid(lot).max_bid) | price:lot.currency_code }}, {{ LotService.lotOrGroupSoldPrice(lot) }}, ({{ LotService.buyersPremium(lot, LotService.bidSuggestions(lot,1)[0]) | price:lot.currency_code }} INCL BP), ({{lot.starting_price | price:lot.currency_code }} INCL BP), {{ ::LotService.lotOrGroupSoldPrice(lot) }}, {{ ::LotService.lotSoldPrice(lot)|price:lot.currency_code }}, {{ "Highest Bid" | translate | uppercase }}, {{ lot.web_module.buyersPremium | price:lot.currency_code }} INCL BP, {{ lot.starting_price | price:lot.currency_code }} INCL BP, {{ lot.starting_price | price:lot.currency_code }}, {{ ::"Pre bidding starts:" | translate }}, - {{ "Auction Software by" | translate }}, {{viewVars.brand == 'genco' ? He accepted his award wearing his uniform: a yellow lifeguard T-shirt and red board shorts.